I dive with Alex and Donna at la ola ocean adventures every time I go to PV. Altho its not generally known as a dive destination, I've had incredible dives there that easily rival and outdo the experiences I've had in places like Cozumel and Largo. In fact, I"ve never had more fun than with Donna and Alex. Both are excellent divemasters, and they really know how to give service to their customers. They take into account your experience, air consumption, goals, etc.... And the last couple times I was there, I never had a dive with less than 60 minutes of bottom time -- I swear these guys have gills!!! And I thought I was good with air! If there is someone that is sucking up air, one will take them up and one will keep diving with those with more air. There's none of this crap that "this will be a 45 minute dive" stuff like I've gotten on so many charters.
Anyway, with Alex being a native of PV, he knows the bay like I know my back yard. He always finds the hiding sea creatures, ranging from eels of various sorts to sea stars, octopus, lobsters, turtles, nudibranches, rays, etc.. He knows where the currents are tough, where there is going to be a vis issue, etc, based on weather and rains. Last January when I was there for a week, I told him I needed to see a manta -- it was time. And not only did I get to see one, I got to ride her! She picked us up at about 25 ft and we gracefully flew round and round, deeper and deeper, till we let go (it was toward the end of our dive, so we knew it wasn't safe). She circled around and I swear to God that she looked at us and said, "Don't you want to play any more?", then picked us up again and circled us upward and upward until we dropped off at about 25 ft where she found us. It was the all-time most incredible diving experience I've ever had!!!! And both he and Donna are really good about hearing the whales singing and giving the sign to listen.
I've dove with Paul also, who is now with Banderas Scuba. He's a really good diver, but spends much of his time as an instructor. Personally I always dive with Donna and Alex. I can't speak highly enough of them as a dive op or as people. I know you won't regret it if you go with them. Good boat, good food, good service, good people and great diving all in all.
Have a blast and safe diving!
